excels at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excels at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's proficiency or high level of skill in a particular area or activity. Example: "She excels at mathematics, consistently achieving top scores in her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She excels at school.

The New York Times - Books

Vietnam excels at manufacturing.

The New York Times

The restaurant excels at desserts.

The New York Times

And excels at deductive reasoning.

The New York Times - Books

He excels at evasion.

The New Yorker

"Zainab excels at that.

The New Yorker

Oh, and the nation excels at football.

Independent

Ashima excels at sport climbing and bouldering.

The New Yorker

Indeed, the chef excels at sourcing ingredients.

The New York Times - Travel

Serota excels at this sort of thing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She excelled at suffering.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excels at" to clearly indicate superior skill or ability in a specific area. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "excels at" in extremely formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or technical term might be more appropriate. Instead, consider alternatives like "demonstrates proficiency in" or "exhibits expertise in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excels at" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a high level of competence or skill in a particular activity or area. It shows that someone or something performs exceptionally well. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage of this phrase is correct and suitable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excels at" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express superior skill or proficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its frequent appearance in diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes underscores its widespread acceptance. While suitable for most contexts, remember to consider more nuanced alternatives in highly formal or technical writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "excels at" into your writing to highlight exceptional performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is skilled at

Emphasizes expertise and developed ability.

is adept at

Highlights skillfulness and quickness in performing the action.

is proficient in

Focuses on competence or skill, rather than outstanding performance.

is talented in

Indicates a natural aptitude or gift for something.

is outstanding in

Highlights exceptional performance compared to others.

is masterful at

Conveys exceptional skill and command.

shines in

Implies excellence and distinction in a specific area.

is competent at

Focuses on meeting the required standards, but less impressive.

is remarkable for

Emphasizes the striking or unusual nature of the skill.

is first-rate at

Highlights high-quality performance and skill.

FAQs

How can I use "excels at" in a sentence?

The phrase "excels at" indicates someone or something is very good at a particular activity. For example, "She "excels at" public speaking", or "This company "excels at" customer service".

What are some alternatives to "excels at"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is proficient in", "is adept at", or "is skilled at" as alternatives to ""excels at"".

Is it better to say "excel in" or "excels at"?

Both "excel in" and ""excels at"" are correct, but "excel in" is typically used for broader areas, while ""excels at"" is used for specific activities. For example, "She excels in mathematics" vs. "She "excels at" solving complex equations".

What is the difference between "excels at" and "is good at"?

"Excels at" implies a higher degree of skill and accomplishment than "is good at". "Is good at" suggests competence, while ""excels at"" suggests superior performance.